Revenge

by Dana Delamar

  “What are you thinking about?” Kate asked.

  Enrico gave her a wan smile. “My father.”

  “You love him.”

  His throat tightened. “Very much.” He rubbed at his eyes and swallowed hard. “He is a remarkable man. We do not always agree, but we both know family is the most important thing.”

  Kate smiled. “I get the sense you are more like him than you know.”

  Enrico looked at her carefully. “Was that a compliment?”

  “I hope so.”

  He smiled. “I am glad you no longer seem to feel I have kidnapped you.”

  “Oh, I’m not happy about any of this. But… I’m grateful you offered to help me.” She glanced at him, then her eyes darted away. “I feel I can trust you.”

  Warmth radiated in his chest, as if the sun had just come out. He touched her hand lightly, his fingers barely lingering over hers. “You can.”

  She didn’t say anything for a moment, then she turned to him. “Does your father live near here?”

  Enrico hesitated before forcing himself to admit what he didn’t want anyone to know. “I do not know where he is, and he does not want me to know. I have not spoken to him in some time.” He heard the wistful tone in his voice and tried to make it more neutral. “He had a heart attack when I was twenty-nine. I took over the family business then. It has been difficult for him since… the accident.”

  “What accident?”

  He hated lying to her again, but what else could he do? “My mother and brothers were killed in a car crash when I was sixteen. It nearly killed my father. He has not been the same since.”

  “I suspect you haven’t either.” She gave him a concerned look and touched his hand. “I’m so sorry. I can’t imagine how devastating that was.”

  Her somber tone, the slight quaver in her voice, took him back to that time-stopping moment of disbelief, when he’d first heard of their deaths. And then to the moment after that, when he’d first believed and the weight of the loss had threatened to crush him. He closed his eyes for a second, the ache in his chest nearly overwhelming. His family, Antonella… there’d been too many deaths. He cleared his throat and opened his eyes, but had to look at the ceiling of the car instead of her. “Thank you.” He paused, then said, “I wish you could meet my father.”

  “You have no way of finding him?”

  “He wants to be alone, and I am trying to respect that. He has earned his peace.” Dio only knew if he had found any.

  They were silent as the car turned down a gravel drive, rounded a copse of trees, and Enrico’s home suddenly appeared before them.

  “You seriously live here?” Kate asked as they pulled up before a huge palazzo on the lake. He’d called it a villa, but that was far too modest a word for a structure that rose three stories and looked like it could house at least a hundred people. Stretching above them in the honeyed light of early sunset, the ivory edifice seemed clad in molten gold.

  Enrico looked up at the many windows and balconies facing them and smiled. “Welcome to my home.”

  He escorted her inside the foyer, which opened into a soaring space that extended up two stories. She’d never been in a private home so grand, not even when she’d dated the doctor who had a place in the Hamptons. Two spiral staircases, which led to the separate wings of the house, curved upwards on each side. Marble was everywhere—on the floor, on the columns, even on the walls as decorative moldings. Her steps echoed as she turned around, trying to absorb what she was seeing. Old masters hung here and there, and sumptuous fabrics and finishes shone from various surfaces. The dark wood furniture was heavy and antique. Taken as a whole, Enrico’s “villa” made her parents’ home in upstate New York look like a shack.

  Kate looked at Enrico. Who is he, really? “Looks like you crushed more than a few competitors to get all this.”

  Enrico shrugged. “It is mostly my father’s doing.”

  “You can’t maintain all this without a lot of cash.”

  Enrico surveyed her for a moment. After an uncomfortable silence, he spoke. “Would you care for a tour?” His tone was neutral, as if they both hadn’t been less than polite.

  “I would love it.” She let his coolness slide by unremarked.

  Kate followed him through a series of rooms on the first floor—a sitting room, a media room, a dining room, his study, a solarium, and so on—and then he took her up the stairs to her room on the second floor.

  He opened a door midway down the hall, and they stepped inside an opulent suite. The room looked like something out of a museum. Steel-blue silk brocade covered the walls, and a king-size canopy bed stood at one end, yards of space around it. Heavy midnight-blue velvet curtains framed the two windows, which overlooked a garden and a large swimming pool. A delicate upholstered love seat and two chairs in silver damask curved around a fireplace opposite the bed. All the wood in the room was a dark, richly burnished mahogany that gleamed under the lights. She was afraid to touch anything.

  A maid materialized out of nowhere and stepped inside, bowing her head to them. “This is Maddalena,” Enrico said. “She will take care of your room and anything else you need. Just press this button on the wall.” He tapped a finger beside a small round black button above the light switch. He pointed to his left at two doors. “The closet and a full bath are through there. Please make yourself at home. Shall we meet downstairs in my study in an hour?”

  Maddalena bowed and left, and Enrico was about to follow her when Kate said, “I hate to bother you further, but I have only these clothes….” She gestured to herself.

  His eyes swept up and down her body, and she blushed at the scrutiny. When he looked into her eyes, a smile crept across his face. “I believe there are some clothes here that may fit you.”

  “Will your wife mind?”

  Enrico shook his head. “As I said earlier, she is dead.”

  “But didn’t you remarry? You’re wearing a ring.”

  He looked at the simple gold band. “I cannot take it off.”

  “Can’t or don’t want to?”

  He froze, and she apologized, blushing deeply. Idiot, idiot, idiot. “I’m sorry, Enrico, that was uncalled for.”

  He stared at the carpet. “When you have lost a spouse you loved, then you will know how true that is.” He looked at her then and gestured at her left hand. “And you? Do you still love your husband?”

  Kate looked at the wedding and engagement bands on her ring finger. A mix of emotions closed up her throat. She’d entirely forgotten about the rings, but she’d be damned if she’d wear them for one second longer. Yanking at them, she found they wouldn’t budge, and she cursed under her breath. By the time she finally wrenched the rings off and tossed them on the carpet, she was close to tears. One of the rings bounced up and hit the wall, landing near Enrico’s shoe. He bent down to pick it up.

  “Leave it,” she said, her voice thick.

  He looked at her questioningly. “It is an expensive ring.”

  “I don’t want it.” Her chest heaved with the effort not to cry. “I don’t want anything that reminds me of him.”

  He bent down and retrieved both rings. “Would you like me to sell these for you? I know you could use the money.”

  She nodded, not trusting herself to speak over the lump in her throat. The softness of his tone only compounded it. How could he want to help her after what she’d said? Can’t or don’t want to? What a bitch she was.

  He pocketed the rings, then turned and left. She followed him into the hall and stared after him, her face burning crimson. “Enrico.” She raised her voice to just below a shout. He paused and half-turned. “I’m so sorry,” she said, advancing toward him.

  He nodded curtly, then turned and resumed walking. She faltered and stopped. Damn it. She hadn’t handled that well at all.

  Enrico burned as he continued down the hall. Maybe it had been a mistake to bring her here. Maybe she wasn’t who he thought she was…. He took a deep b
reath. Actually, she was exactly who he thought she was. Intelligent, direct, and assertive. Her question had hurt because it was so on the mark. He’d been acting like Toni had an impossible to break hold on him when it was the other way around. He didn’t want to let go of her. If she were still here, she’d have told him to quit wallowing and move on with his life. Hadn’t she said as much at the end? That he had to let her go?

  He reached the end of the hall and stepped inside his suite, closing the door behind him, shutting Kate out, shutting all of it out. He leaned against the heavy wood for a moment, absorbing the hush of his room. Then, before his nerve failed him, he crossed over to the double walk-in closets and opened the one that had been Antonella’s.

  All her clothes were still in their places. The dresses, the slacks, the satiny blouses she liked to wear. The rows of designer shoes and handbags. He inhaled deeply, picking up the scent of finely tanned leather, and underneath it, the freesia and jasmine of her perfume. The carefully sealed hole in his chest burst open, piercing him with an ache that reached up into his throat and threatened to strangle him. Toni. He closed his eyes, reaching out and burying his hand in the deep brown fur of her sable coat. When had she worn it last? Winter, two years ago, in the garden. Before they knew she was ill. She’d kissed him in that coat, her lush body pressed against his, buried under that softness, that warmth. How he’d wanted her.

  He opened his eyes and let go of the coat, then released a shuddering breath. Clothes for Kate. He had to focus. He picked out a black flowing skirt, a pair of charcoal trousers, and a couple blouses. A swimsuit. Things he didn’t particularly remember Antonella wearing. He added a red slip, one that still had a tag on it, to the pile. Something Kate could sleep in. He opened drawers, found an unopened package of lacy black underwear to add to the stack. That was enough for now. He’d get Kate her own clothes in a few days.

  He closed the closet behind him, then marched back down the hall and knocked on her door. She opened it and looked at him bashfully. “Enrico, I didn’t mean—”

  “You did mean it.” He stared at her for a second. “And you are right, it is time to let her go. Here,” he said, thrusting the clothes at her. “We will get you something else soon.”

  She gathered the clothes from his arms. “I’m sorry.”

  “Do not be.” He rubbed his chin, letting out his breath on a sigh. “I am not a child. I cannot keep doing this.”

  “Doing what?” she asked softly.

  He took a steadying breath. “Acting like she is coming back.”

  “Oh.” Kate looked down at the clothes, then up at him. “Do you need help going through her things?”

  He wasn’t ready for that. “No. I will take care of it myself.”

  “How long were you married?”

  “Twenty-six years.”

  He could see the wheels spinning in her head as she calculated his age. He helped her. “I am forty-four.”

  “You don’t look it. I thought you were about thirty-five.”

  He smiled. “I do not smoke. That helps.”

  After a brief silence, she said, “May I ask—how long has it been since your wife died?”

  “A year ago today.” Pain stabbed through him, but he forced himself not to let it show. He didn’t want to break down in front of her. Or anyone.

  Jesus! A year ago today? She was the Queen Bitch of Bitchdom. “Oh God, I was so awful to you—”

  “You were right.”

  “But rude.” She could barely look at him. He said nothing. “Forgive me?” She raised her eyebrows in a silent plea.

  “I already have.”

  Relief flooded her body. “It’s a good thing you don’t hold a grudge.”

  “I have a long memory.” His tone softened. “But only when I want to.”

  “I’ll strive to remain on your good side then.”

  He leaned against the doorjamb and looked down at her. “I doubt you could ever fall out of my favor.” When she met his eyes, he looked away, a rush of blood darkening his cheeks.

  “Enrico, I don’t want to seem… ungrateful, but….” She let her voice trail off.

  “I expect nothing from you. Nothing at all.” He paused. “I enjoy your company. There is no harm in showing my appreciation, yes?”

  She smiled. “I enjoy yours as well.”

  “Then I hope this whole situation shall not be such an ordeal.”

  She sighed at the reminder. “What if you can’t persuade Vince to leave me be? What am I going to do?”

  He looked at her, his eyes heavy with meaning. “I will resolve this for you. If it is the last thing I do, I will see you safe.”

  The certainty on his face was heartening. “I believe you.”

  “Good. Now freshen up and we will meet for dinner in an hour, yes?”

  She nodded, feeling better than she had all day. If Vince was the villain in disguise, maybe Enrico was the knight in shining armor. Even if that armor had a touch of tarnish.

  Of course, that would make her the damsel in distress. Kate gritted her teeth. She hated being dependent. But she was in way over her head.

  She was in so deep, she’d be lucky if she didn’t drown.

  CHAPTER 6

  Enrico and Kate had just sat down to dinner when the house phone rang. Maddalena came in and told him it was urgent. “I will be back soon,” he assured Kate.

  He walked down to his study and picked up the phone. “What the hell are you thinking?” Dom shouted.

  “Ciao to you, too.”

  “You know why I’m upset.”

  Enrico sighed. “I didn’t have any choice.”

  “You always have a choice.”

  “He was going to cut her up, maybe even kill her. I repeat, I had no choice.”

  “Basta!” Dom took a breath. “It was just an excuse to have what you wanted.”

  Enrico flushed. Where had he gotten that idea? He couldn’t let Dom’s disrespect pass unchallenged. “You dare speak to me this way. Shall I replace you?”

  “Shall I replace you? It is my right.”

  It was true. The capo di società could call for a special election at any time. “You wouldn’t dare.”

  “Force me, and you’ll see what I will dare to do.”

  Fuck. Why was the whole world coming down around his ears today? “We need to talk. Now.”

  “I’ll be there shortly.”

  Enrico hung up and rested his hands on the desk, his head hanging down. He’d known Dom wouldn’t like what he’d done. He hadn’t expected a direct challenge to his authority, however. What had Ruggero told Dom about the fight? Had he implied that this was all about Enrico’s libido?

  Enrico stared at the phone, his anger rising. Dom had never spoken to him that way before. True, he’d always treated Dom as his equal, but Dom’s behavior was verging on disrespect. Which Enrico could not tolerate and live long.

  He walked back to the dining room, trying to wipe his face clean of worry. But Kate saw through him. “What happened?”

  “Nothing. It is a business matter.” He took a bite of his risotto, then said, “I am going to have to take a meeting soon with my cousin Dom. I am sorry, but it will interrupt our meal.”

  “It’s about what happened today, isn’t it?”

  He was careful to keep his face neutral. “Kate, do not concern yourself.”

  She didn’t say anything. No doubt that wasn’t the end of it though. He’d have to think of something to tell her later.

  It didn’t take long for Dom to arrive. Enrico heard his car pull up and excused himself from the table, going into the front hall and opening the door.

  Dom stalked toward him, his face hard and set. Every muscle in Enrico’s body tensed.

  “Don Lucchesi,” Dom said, inclining his head in a stiff bow. His sarcasm was not lost on Enrico.

  “Buona sera.” He stepped aside to let Dom into the house.

  They proceeded to the study in silence, Enrico closing the door behind
them. He walked over to the liquor cabinet and poured two glasses of sambuca. He wanted a civilized discussion, if nothing else.

  Dom took a seat on the sofa, and Enrico sat across from him in one of the chairs. He leaned forward and handed him a glass and clinked his own against it. “Salute.”

  His cousin tossed back the drink and slammed the glass down on the wooden coffee table.

  “So thirsty, Dom. Would you care for another?”

  Dom crossed his arms. “What I would care for is an explanation. What the hell is going through your mind?”

  Enrico studied his cousin. They had been through so much together, first as boys, then later as partners in the business of running the family. But Dom had never understood Enrico’s decision to stick by Antonella. And he would not understand his decision to stick by Kate. Enrico took a sip from his glass. “What’s going through my mind actually, is Toni.”

  “What?”

  “I’ve never loved another woman the way I loved her.” He looked at his glass, at how the cut crystal caught and reflected the light.

  “I’m aware of that. Fool that you are.”

  Enrico cast him a sharp look. “I am your capo. Remember that when you talk to me.” His eyes held Dom’s.

  Dom inclined his head the barest bit. “I apologize—for the insult. But not for the question.”

  “And you have every right to ask it.” Enrico took another sip of the sweet liquor, then set his glass down and leaned forward, clasping his hands between his knees. “I’ve been miserable since Toni died. I’d begun to think I would never be happy again. That I would die alone. But I’ve felt more alive in the last few hours with Kate than I have in the last year. I finally want something again.”

  Dom raked a hand through his hair. “Dio, Rico. You’ve jeopardized everything for a woman. A woman you cannot have.”

  “How could I stand by and let Andretti kill her?”

  Dom sighed. “You must make this right. Carlo already wants your head. Now that you’ve insulted Vincenzo, I’m not sure there’s any way out of a war with the Andrettis.”